About
Clermont-Ferrand is a city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France, set in the heart of the volcanic Auvergne. It has long been an industrial place, and its character reflects that history alongside the dark volcanic stone from which much of the city is built.
What to see
The city is known for its Gothic cathedral, whose stone gives the old centre a distinctive, sombre colour. Walking the streets around it is a good way to get a feel for the place, as the local volcanic rock shapes both the buildings and the mood of the town.
Industry and the city's identity
Clermont-Ferrand is closely associated with the tyre manufacturer Michelin, which has shaped the city's economy and its sense of itself. Visitors interested in industrial towns will find this side of the city an unusual contrast with its historic core.
Who it suits
- Visitors interested in Gothic architecture and the use of local stone
- Those curious about France's industrial heritage
- Travellers using the city as a base for exploring the volcanic Auvergne countryside
The city also goes by older forms of its name, including Clarmont-Ferrand and the Occitan Clarmount d'Auvèrnhe, which can be useful to recognise on older maps and signs. Because its setting is the volcanic Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand works well as a starting point for days spent among the region's landscapes, with the city offering a more urban counterpart to them.